Howard Packman

Packman joined Bedford on loan in January but has now made the move a permanent one following some impressive displays in a Blues jersey.

Howard is a Northampton lad whose father Frank made 376 appearances for the Saints between 1982 and 1996 scoring 178 tries along the way. Howard took up the game of rugby at the young age of five at Wellingborough RFC before moving to Old Northamptonians two years later. His lightning pace and the ability to change direction at speed saw him progress through the Saints Academy and Howard made seven appearances for his hometown club scoring four tries in the process.

The speedster has represented England at Under 16, Under-17 and Under-18 levels as well featuring in every match in the 2014 Under 20s Six Nations Championship. Howard has also played for England Sevens in the 2014 HSBC Sevens World Series in Glasgow and London, and was also part of the victorious IRB Junior World Championship squad in New Zealand, scoring the try of the tournament against Ireland for good measure.